Context
Below is the list of weapons used by Ukraine against Russia.
S-300 missile defence systems
- A US military source who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity said the S-300 - a sophisticated missile of Russian design owned by some European NATO members - is seen as a viable longer-range anti-aircraft system and one easy to integrate into Ukraine's military.
Switchblade 'kamikaze' drones
- These drones, the source said, have the ability to loiter over a target before attacking. According to AFP there are two variants - Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600, which is 1.3 metres in length. Both can be launched from land, air or sea, but the larger variant has a range of 50 miles and can deliver a precision strike with anti-armour warheads.
Stinger anti-aircraft systems
- Perhaps one of the more recognised missiles in the world - variations have been used in several conflicts over the years, including the Soviets in Afghanistan - this is a shoulder-fired missile used by ground troops to combat low-altitude aerial threats.
- They can also be fired from helicopters.
- The US has already delivered, or is delivering, 600 of these. Other countries, like Germany, have also pledged hundreds to Ukraine.
Javelin missiles
- The Javelin is an anti-tank missile system that uses thermal imaging to find its target.
- Their efficiency is staggering; reports indicate a 93 per cent kill rate against Russian tanks, forcing Moscow to pull tank divisions from the front lines in some instances.
Next-generation light anti-tank weapons
- Both Javelins and NLAWs hit a tank from above, where its armour is weakest.
- Both are also 'fire-and-forget' missiles, meaning Ukraine soldiers can leave as soon as the shot its taken.
- This reduces the risk of a potentially deadly counterattack once their position is revealed.
Starstreak anti-aircraft weapons
- Regarded as some of the fastest short-range surface-to-air missiles in the world, they boast laser-guided targeting systems to increase the chances of hitting the enemy.
Bayraktar TB2 drones
- The TB2 is 6.5 metres long and half the weight of the US' Reaper. It has four laser-guided munitions.
- Its manufacturer claims it can fly for 27 hours and has a ceiling of 25,000 feet.
